Major Edward Mannock, VC, DSO and two Bars, MC and Bar
Son of a soldier, Mannock only transferred to the RFC from the Royal Engineers in August 1916 despite an eyesight deficiency. He joined No.40 Squadron in April 1917, then flying Nieuports, and was soon shooting down enemy aircraft. Possessed of a ruthless hatred of the Germans, he showed none of the mercy so often ascribed to airmen of World War 1, yet made unending efforts to ensure that his own pilots received the best possible combat training, it being said that no patrol by his pilots was ever taken by surprise. From flight commander with No.74 Squadron he was posted to command No.85 Squadron, but on 26 July 1918 his aircraft was hit by rifle fire from the ground and he was killed when his score stood at 73, the highest of any British pilot. His grave was never found and, despite the posthumous award of the Victoria Cross, his career attracted no attention until long after his death.
All Aero 